In what was its final consumer research survey before shutting its doors on December 31, 1996 (see Packaging World, Jan. '97, p. 2), the Council on Packaging in the Environment (COPE) found that the environment is less of a concern for consumers than in previous years, though it's still considered important.

Shell Chemical (Houston, TX) has announced an advance in cellular CPET. Petlite(TM) II is a new resin that can be thermoformed into containers made to withstand the high-temperature baking conditions of CPET, with the potential for source reduction and cost savings.

For the second year running, stand-up pouches were prominent among winners in the DuPont Awards competition. Markets from around the world are represented in this 10th installment of the annual competition.

The U.S. has achieved the 25% recycling rate goal established in 1989 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and now EPA officials want to raise the bar, suggesting a 35% recycling goal by 2005.

"Last year, for the first time, consumers spent more money on food at foodservice outlets than at retail grocery stores, a trend that presents significant future opportunities for the packaging community." These comments from Robert Esse of Esse Technologies, (Monticello, MN) were made at 3M's (St.